Electronic device support mechanism and integrated electronic device comprising the support mechanism

ABSTRACT

A support mechanism for supporting an electronic device includes a base which supports at least the first under surface and the second under surface of the electronic device, a first engaging member to engage with the first under surface in a state in which the electronic device is supported on the base during the first state, and engage with the second under surface in a state in which the electronic device is supported on the base during the second state, in the base, and a second engaging member to engage with the second under surface in a state in which the electronic device is supported on the base during the first state, and engage with the second under surface in a state in which the electronic device is supported on the base during the second state, in the base.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-372990, filed Oct. 31, 2003, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an electronic device support mechanism for placing at a desired angle an electronic device such as a telephone set capable of selectively establishing, for example, a tabletop placement state and a wall hanging state, and an integrated electronic device comprising the support mechanism.

2. Description of the Related Art

In general, in a telephone set, a display, a speaker, a microphone, a keypad and the like are allocated on an operating surface which is a top surface of a telephone set. A telephone set of this type has an advantage that high operability and visibility can be secured by setting a telephone set main body at a desired placement angle in a tabletop placement state by using a tilt stand (for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,445,793 B1).

In addition, the above telephone set may be mounted on a wall because of a limited installation space. In this case, it is necessary to change an angle of an operating surface of the telephone set in order to make a display easily visible. Because of this, there is proposed a method for making angle adjustment by rotating a lower case of the telephone set main body by 180 degrees. In addition, a method for using another member for wall hanging is also proposed (for example, Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2002-141995).

In the meantime, in the case of utilizing a lower case of the above telephone set main body, there is a case in which a tilt stand is lost because it is removed from the telephone set main body. In addition, there is a need for work of, for example, removing a tightening screw of the lower case, and an installation work is not easy.

In addition, the use of another member for wall hanging causes higher cost, and increases thickness of the entirety including the telephone set main body and tilt stand.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic device support mechanism which is flexibly compatible with an installation site, and moreover, which is capable of maintaining a minimum thickness with reasonable cost; and an integrated electronic device comprising the support mechanism.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a support mechanism for supporting an electronic device selectively establishing a first state and a second state different setup angle from each other, the electronic device including a first under surface and a second under surface taken along a diagonally upward direction with respect to the first under surface, the support mechanism comprising: a base which supports at least the first under surface and the second under surface of the electronic device; a first engaging member to engage with the first under surface in a state in which the electronic device is supported on the base during the first state, and engage with the second under surface in a state in which the electronic device is supported on the base during the second state, in the base; and a second engaging member to engage with the second under surface in a state in which the electronic device is supported on the base during the first state, and engage with the second under surface in a state in which the electronic device is supported on the base during the second state, in the base.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided An integrated electronic device comprising: a main body which establishes a first state and a second state different setup angle from each other, selectively, includes a first under surface and a second under surface taken along a diagonally upward direction with respect to the first under surface; a base which supports at least the first under surface and the second under surface of the main body; a first engaging member to engage with the first under surface in a state in which the main body is supported on the base during the first state, and engage with the second under surface in a state in which the main body is supported on the base during the second state, in the base; and a second engaging member to engage with the second under surface in a state in which the main body is supported on the base during the first state, and engage with the first under surface in a state in which the main body is supported on the base during the second state, in the base.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an operating surface of a telephone set according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a state in which the telephone set is supported on a tilt base at the time of tabletop setup from a side face in the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state in which the telephone set is supported on the tilt base at the time of wall hanging from a side face in the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a telephone set at the time of tabletop setup is seen from the lower side of a rear surface according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the telephone set at the time of tabletop setup is seen from the upper side of the rear surface in the second embodiment; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the telephone set is supported on a tilt base at the time of wall handling in the second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIRST EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a top surface of a telephone set according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view of a telephone set when it is seen from a side face thereof, the view understandably showing a configuration of a telephone set support mechanism.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a telephone set main body (to be referred to as a main body hereinafter). A display 10 using a LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like is allocated on an operating surface 1 a which is a top surface of the main body 1. Further, a dial key 11, a function key 12, auto dial keys (AD1 to AD10) 13, and flexible keys (FK1 to FK14) 14 are arranged at the downward side of this display 10. A hand set 15 incorporating a microphone and a speaker is allocated at the left side of the display 10.

In addition, the main body 1 has a structure of a lower surface portion of this main body, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. That is, a lower case 1 b having a lower surface portion 1 b 1 and a lower surface portion 1 b 2 included from the lower surface portion 1 b 1 toward an upward direction is provided in the main body 1. This lower case 1 b is removably supported by a tilt base 2.

The lower case 1 b and the tilt base 2 configure a tilt stand for setting the main body 1 at a desired placement angle.

Now, a description will be given with respect to the tilt base 2.

FIG. 2 shows a tabletop placement state in which the main body 1 is supported by the tilt base 2 such that the display 10 of the operating surface 1 a of the main body 1 is set at the upside. FIG. 3 shows a wall handling state.

In FIG. 2, the tilt base 2 has a housing 2 a parallel to a table top and a housing 2 b elected in a diagonally upward direction with respect to the housing 2 a. In addition, when the main body 1 is placed, an engaging portion 21 for making engagement with the lower surface portion 1 b 1 of the lower case 1 b and an engaging portion 22 engaging with the under surface portion 1 b 2 are formed on the tilt base 2.

When the main body 1 is hung on a wall, the main body 1 is removed from the tilt base 2, and is remounted on the tilt base 2 rotated by 180 degrees. Then, the engaging portion 21 of the tilt base 2 engages with the under surface portion 1 b 2 of the lower case 1 b, and the engaging portion 22 engages with the lower surface portion 1 b 1 of the lower case 1 b. Thus, the operating surface 1 a of the main body 1 is at a preferred installation angle at the time of wall handling, so that a user can use the operating surface in an easily visible location.

As described above, in the above first embodiment, at the time of table top setup of the main body 1, the engaging portion 21 formed on the tilt base 2 engages with the under surface portion 1 b 1 of the lower case 1 b provided at the main body 1, and the engaging portion 22 engages with the under surface portion 1 b 2 of the lower case 1 b. At the time of wall handling, the engaging portion 21 of the tilt base 2 engages with the under surface portion 1 b 2 of the lower case 1 b, and the engaging portion 22 engages with the lower face portion 1 b 1 of the lower case 1 b.

Therefore, at the time of table top setup and wall handling, the same tilt base 2 can be efficiently used. At the time of wall handling, an insulation work cost or the like can be thus reduced by separately using a separately dedicated member. In addition, in the case of determining the entire thickness including the main body 1 and tilt base 2, a minimum thickness can be designed based on a state in which the main body 1 is placed in the tilt base 2 at the time of either of the table top setup and wall handling, whereby a dead space can be reduced.

SECOND EMBODIMENT

According to a second embodiment of the present invention, a placement angle of a main body 1 can be variably set.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views showing a configuration of essential portions of a tilt stand according to the second embodiment.

In FIGS. 4 and 5, the main body 1 provides a tilt arm 3 which configures a variable angle adjusting mechanism at a substantially center portion of the. This main body 1 can be arbitrarily turned in a vertical direction with respect to a tilt base 2 by the tilt arm 3.

At one end, the tilt arm 3 is turnably mounted in a direction along under surface portions 1 b 1, 1 b 2 by means of an axis 16 on a substantial center of a lower case 1 b of the main body 1. Further, at the tilt base 2, as shown in FIG. 5, a guide groove 23 (illustrated at only the left side in FIG. 5) is formed in order to guide the tilt arm 3 such that it can be horizontally reciprocated on the left and right side walls. This guide groove 23 has an opening 23 a established toward an upward direction at the depth side.

Further, at the other end of the tilt arm 3, pins 31 (illustrated at only the left side in FIG. 5) are provided at the left and right so as to be guided to the corresponding guide groove 23. With this structure, the main body 1 can be arbitrarily turned in a vertical direction with respect to the tilt base 2.

Moreover, at an under face portion, the tilt base 2 has a plurality of locking grooves 24 a 1, 24 b 1, 24 a 2, 24 b 2, and 24 a 3, each of which formed in a recess shape, in order to lock and hold the other end of the tilt arm 3.

With this structure, in the case where an attempt is made to lower the main body 1 from the state shown in FIG. 5 to a downward direction, if a downward force is applied to the main body 1, the pins 31 of the tilt arm 3 are guided to locking grooves 24 a 1, 24 b 1 by means of the guide groove 23. Then, at the other end, the tilt arm 3 is locked and held on locking grooves 24 a 1, 24 b 1. In the case where an attempt is made to further lower the main body 1, the pins 31 of the tilt arm 3 are guided to locking grooves 24 a 2, 24 b 2 by means of the guide groove 23. Then, at the other end, the tilt arm 3 is locked and held on locking grooves 24 a 2, 24 b 2. In addition, in the case where an attempt is made to raise the main body 1 in an upward direction, if an upward force is applied to the main body 1, the pins 31 of the tilt arm 3 are guided to the locking grooves 24 a 1, 24 b 1 by means of the guide groove 23. Then, at the other end, the tilt arm 3 is locked and held on the locking grooves 24 a 1, 24 b 1.

In addition, on the tilt art 3, claw portions 32 a, 32 b and protruding portions 33 a, 33 b; and engaging portions 34 a, 34 b for preventing slip-off of the main body 1 are provided at the time of wall hanging. In the case where the main body 1 is used by hanging it on a wall, if an upward force is applied from the state of FIGS. 4 and 5 to the main body 1, the pins 31 of the tilt arm 3 are guided to the opening 23 a by the guide groove 23, whereby the tilt arm 3 is released from the tilt base 2.

Then, the tilt arm 3 is folded to the side of the under surface portion 1 b 2 of the lower case 1 b, and then, the engaging portions 34 a, 34 b engage the protruding portion 17 provided at the under surface portion 1 b 2 of the lower case 1 b, whereby the tilt arm is fixed to the lower case 1 b.

Then, the main body 1 is removed from the tilt base 2, and is mounted again on the tilt base 2 rotated by 180 degrees. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the claw portions 32 a, 32 b engage with a front wall surface of the housing 2 b of the tilt base 2. In this state, the protruding portions 33 a, 33 b abut against the left and right side walls of a cutout portion 25 provided at the housing 2 b of the tilt base 2. In this manner, the main body 1 is locked with the tilt base 2, and is prevented from slip-off during wall hanging.

Further, in the case where the main body 1 is used by placing it on a table top, if an upward force is applied to the main body 1 from the state of FIG. 6, the claw portions 32 a, 32 b are released from a front wall face of the housing 2 b of the tilt base 2, whereby the main body 1 and the tilt base 2 are unlocked from each other.

Furthermore, the above cutout portion 25 is intended to facilitate wiring processing of a telephone line with respect to the main body 1.

As has been described above, in the second embodiment, the tilt arm 3 for changing an angle is mounted on the lower case 1 b of the main body 1 so as to be rotatable in a direction along the under surface portions 1 b 1, 1 b 2. Thus, during table top setup, an angle of the operating surface 1 a of the main body 1 with respect to the tilt base 2 can be arbitrary set, whereby a user can use the main body 1 at a visible angle.

In addition, by further increasing locking grooves 24 a 1, 24 b 1, 24 a 2, 24 b 2, 24 a 3 of the tilt base 2, an angle of the operating surface 1 a of the main body 1 with respect to the tilt base 2 can be set more finely.

Further, during wall hanging, the tilt arm 3 is folded to the under surface portion 1 b 2 of the lower case 1 b of the main body 1. Thus, there is no need for a cumbersome work of removing the tilt arm 3, and during wall hanging, the entire thickness including the main body 1 and tilt base 2 can be minimized during setup.

In addition, on the tilt arm 3 claw portions 32 a, 32 b and protruding portions 33 a, 33 b; and engaging portions 34 a, 34 b for preventing slip-off of the main body 1 are set during wall hanging. Thus, an installation work for the main body 1 can be easily carried out without any screw or the like, and further, the main body 1 can be prevented from slip-off from the tilt base 2.

Further, the cutout portion 25 for cable wiring is provided at the housing 2 b of the tilt base 2, thus facilitating wiring processing during setup of the telephone set.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the above second embodiment has described an example of providing a tilt arm as a variable angle adjusting mechanism and a plurality of locking grooves formed in a tilt base. However, means capable of maintaining a placement angle of a main body with respect to a tilt base other than a plurality of locking grooves may be used without being limited thereto.

In addition, although the above-described second embodiment has described that claw portions, protruding portions, and engaging portions for preventing the main body from slip-off are provided at a tilt arm, means for preventing the main body from slip-off other than these claw portions, protruding portions, and engaging portions may be used.

Moreover, although the above-described first embodiment has described an example in which, in the case of changing from a tabletop setup state to a wall hanging state, a main body is temporarily removed from a tilt base, and the tilt base is setup again by rotating it by 180 degrees, in the case where the tilt base is mounted on a main body by a tensile spring or the like, the tilt base may be used by rotating it by 180 degrees without removing it.

Further, the above-described first and second embodiments each have described a telephone set by way of example of an electronic device. However, the present invention can be applied similarly to a personal computer or a portable telephone set, and further to a hand-held information terminal or the like without being limited thereto.

With respect to a configuration or shape of a base portion such as a tilt base, a type or configuration of an electronic device, a configuration or shape of an arm portion such as a tilt arm, and installation site other than a table top or wall hanging, various modification can occur without deviating from the spirit of the invention,

Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 

1. A support mechanism for supporting an electronic device selectively establishing a first state and a second state different setup angle from each other, the electronic device including a first under surface and a second under surface taken along a diagonally upward direction with respect to the first under surface, the support mechanism comprising: a base which supports at least the first under surface and the second under surface of the electronic device; a first engaging member to engage with the first under surface in a state in which the electronic device is supported on the base during the first state, and engage with the second under surface in a state in which the electronic device is supported on the base during the second state, in the base; and a second engaging member to engage with the second under surface in a state in which the electronic device is supported on the base during the first state, and engage with the second under surface in a state in which the electronic device is supported on the base during the second state, in the base.
 2. A support mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the base includes a cutout member for cable wiring of the main body.
 3. A support mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first state includes a state in which the main body is placed on a table top, and the second state includes a state in which the main body is mounted on a wall.
 4. An integrated electronic device comprising: a main body which establishes a first state and a second state different setup angle from each other, selectively, includes a first under surface and a second under surface taken along a diagonally upward direction with respect to the first under surface; a base which supports at least the first under surface and the second under surface of the main body; a first engaging member to engage with the first under surface in a state in which the main body is supported on the base during the first state, and engage with the second under surface in a state in which the main body is supported on the base during the second state, in the base; and a second engaging member to engage with the second under surface in a state in which the main body is supported on the base during the first state, and engage with the first under surface in a state in which the main body is supported on the base during the second state, in the base.
 5. An integrated electronic device according to claim 4, further comprising an arm which sets a placement angle of the main body with respect to the base by rotating along the second under surface from the first under surface of the main body.
 6. An integrated electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the arm includes a fixing member which fixes the main body to the base during the second state.
 7. An integrated electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the arm includes a protruding member which engages with the base during the second state.
 8. An integrated electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the base includes a cutout member for cable wiring of the main body.
 9. An integrated electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the first state includes a state in which the main body is placed on a table top, and the second state includes a state in-which the main body is mounted on a wall. 